Project Director

Job Description

About the Role\n\nDue to continued growth and a strong pipeline of major projects, we are seeking an exceptional Project Director to lead the delivery of a flagship £180 million construction scheme for a leading UK main contractor.\n\nThis role requires a proven leader with extensive experience managing complex, high-value projects within a Tier 1 or leading regional contractor environment. The successful candidate will take full responsibility for operational delivery, commercial performance, client management, programme certainty, and health & safety across the project lifecycle.\n\nYou will lead a large multidisciplinary team and work closely with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and senior business leadership to ensure successful project outcomes while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and professionalism. Experience of delivering major new build Data Centres or Distribution facilities would be an advantage, but recent relevant experience delivering complex projects with values in excess of £100m in value is essential.\n\nKey Responsibilities\n\nOperational Leadership Provide strategic and operational leadership for the successful delivery of a £150m construction project from pre-construction through to practical completion.\n\nLead and coordinate all project functions including construction, engineering, commercial, planning, design management, and commissioning.\n\nEnsure project delivery aligns with company objectives, contractual obligations, and client expectations.\n\nDevelop and implement robust project execution and delivery strategies.\n\nClient & Stakeholder Management Act as the senior representative for the business with the client, professional team, and external stakeholders.\n\nBuild trusted relationships with key stakeholders and maintain high levels of client satisfaction.\n\nLead senior project meetings, reporting processes, and governance reviews.\n\nManage sensitive issues, risks, and disputes in a proactive and solutions-focused manner.\n\nCommercial & Contractual Management Take overall accountability for project financial performance, including budget control, forecasting, margin protection, and cash flow.\n\nWork closely with the Commercial Director and project commercial team to manage procurement, subcontract packages, valuations, variations, and final accounts.\n\nEnsure effective administration of contract conditions under JCT and/or NEC forms of contract.\n\nIdentify commercial risks and implement mitigation strategies to protect project performance.\n\nProgramme & Construction Delivery Drive programme certainty and ensure key milestones and sectional completions are achieved.\n\nOversee construction sequencing, logistics, and buildability strategies.\n\nMonitor project progress and performance against programme, cost, quality, and resource targets.\n\nLead recovery planning where necessary and implement corrective actions to maintain delivery objectives.\n\nHealth, Safety, Environment & Quality Champion a strong safety-first culture across the project and wider supply chain.\n\nEnsure compliance with all statutory regulations, company policies, and best practice standards.\n\nPromote behavioural safety, environmental sustainability, and quality excellence.\n\nLead incident management, investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.\n\nTeam & Supply Chain Leadership Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing project team.\n\nDrive collaboration across internal departments and external supply chain partners.\n\nSupport succession planning, mentoring, and professional development within the project team.\n\nFoster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.\n\nCandidate Requirements\n\nEssential Experience Proven experience as a Project Director or Senior Project Lead delivering major projects valued £100m+ within a UK main contractor environment.\n\nStrong track record delivering large-scale commercial, mixed-use, residential, healthcare, industrial, or infrastructure projects.\n\nExperience managing complex stakeholder environments and multidisciplinary delivery teams.\n\nExtensive knowledge of construction delivery methodologies, project controls, and risk management.\n\nStrong commercial awareness with experience administering major contracts.\n\nExcellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.\n\nQualifications Degree qualified in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or related discipline.\n\nChartered status desirable with organisations such as CIOB, RICS, or ICE.\n\nSMSTS certification essential.\n\nCSCS Black Card desirable.\n\nKey Competencies Strategic leadership\n\nMajor project delivery\n\nCommercial acumen\n\nClient relationship management\n\nContractual expertise\n\nRisk and programme management\n\nTeam leadership and development\n\nDecision making under pressure\n\nCollaborative approach\n\nBenefits\n\nThe company offer an excellent salary, bonus and benefits package, and an environment offering progression and opportunity for further development.

For more information, please contact Andy Hayton at Cotech Building Careers on (phone number removed)